Car accidents, sexual assault, physically violent altercations, natural disasters, work injury, and fires
Abuse / neglect / exploitation by caregivers, war, and short-term jail stays
Living in countries with frequent wars/conflicts, famine, government oppression. Life in prison or captivity. Extreme poverty.
Increased heart rate, aggressive, flood of adrenaline
Escape mentality, flood of adrenaline, increased heart rate, increased panic
Decreased heart rate, numbness in body, immobility
Safer to be submissive, fake agreement to appease offender
The aftereffects of traumatic experiences leave the body feeling drained and the mind overwhelmed. The flight, fight, freeze or fawn response is not meant to be triggered repeatedly. Some people begin feeling paranoid and out of control due to frequent and intrusive nightmares and flashbacks of the experience. These memories appear to be stored in a part of the brain that becomes highly sensitive to stimulation, which is why the brain and body feel triggered.
Our trust in others and sense of safety is paramount to feeling comfortable and confident in our daily routine. Trauma can leave us feeling violated and unsafe, regardless of what our routine is and who we are with. The sooner we detect changes in mood, sleep, thoughts, and ability to function everyday, the better. Traumatic memories can leave us in a heightened state of anxiety or grief, irritable, tearful, unable to focus, and fearful of leaving the house or attending social events.
Most people seek help when they feel unable to function anymore. This typically means major disruptions to their sleep, relationships, and ability to go to work or school. A therapist or doctor will typically provide brief assessments to determine severity of symptoms. The most common diagnosis associated with traumatic memories is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The treatment options vary and can include a combination of medication, individual therapy, and psychoeducation. This is a collaborative process between you and an experienced therapist and at times your family and primary care doctor. Treatment involves re-experiencing parts of your trauma narrative and this may, at first, intensify symptoms of PTSD, and it’s wise to have everyone on board.
The cost of untreated trauma is devastating. The body and mind crave balance and safety – which is impossible with traumatic memories intruding on you everyday. Trauma treatment with an experienced therapist is the path back to feeling whole, resilient, and confident about your ability to engage with the present moment again. the present moment. Schedule a consultation today.
